On 8 Sep 2005 23:55:37 -0700, wrote:

If you're just thinking of one plane, then get a block plane.

Can't agree with that. It may be an excellent plane but not as a first
or only one. This has to be a jack plane

Depends what you're doing with it. If you needed a jack plane, you'd
probably already have a #4. If you don't have any planes, know nothing
at all about planes, and clearly aren't intending on becoming a major
hand tool user overnight, then the chance is that what you will really
find useful to you is a block plane.

I agree completely with your point that the basic starter bench plane is
a #5 - but that's for someone wanting to begin benchwork, not someone
wanting to take a rough edge off plywood from a circular saw.